The 1966 NFL season brought a new franchise to the deep South. The Atlanta Falcons brought professional football to Atlanta and the great State of Georgia has never been the same.
Football is a passion in the South. For Falcons fans it has also been heartache. It has been expectations that have never been met. It has been hope. It has been PAINFUL!!
Since 1966 the Falcons have won three Division Championships. They have won one NFC Championship, and been to one Super Bowl. Not much celebrating in the past 41 seasons!
Each year Falcon fans cross their fingers, hope and pray that this will be the year that it all comes together and something magical happens. For a franchise that has never had back to back winning seasons, this hope seems like a true Vegas long shot.
Despite the failures of this franchise, we the fans, have had the opportunity to see many great NFL players wear the red and black for the Falcons.
So it is with that thought I mind, that I give you those that I believe are the twelve greatest Falcons ever. Please let me know who I missed.
I have ranked them from twelve to one.
12) Jamal Anderson #32 (RB). The Falcons drafted Jamal Anderson in the 7th round of the 1994 draft. He played for the Falcons from 1994-2001. Jamal rushed for over 5,300 yards as a Falcon and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1998. Jamal set an NFL record in 1998 with 410 carries (this record has since been broken). Jamal led the Falcons to an NFC Championship in 1998 and a Super Bowl berth that same year. We can thank Jamal for the "Dirty Bird," then again maybe not.
11) Claude Humphrey #87 (DE). Drafted in 1968, Claude went on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Claude was a main stay on the Falcons defensive line from 1968-1978. He was an All-Pro 8 times, and played in 6 Pro Bowls. He recorded 126.5 sacks in his career, including a league leading 15 in 1976.
10) Gerald Riggs #42 (RB). Gerald played in Atlanta from 1982-1988. During that span he rushed for over 6,600 yards. In 1985, Riggs rushed for 1,719 yards and scored 10 TD's. A 3 time Pro Bowler, Gerald amassed over 5,200 yards from 1984-1986.
9) Mike Kenn #78 (OL). Drafted in the first round of the 1978 draft, Mike went on to play an incredible 17 years with the Falcons. He started all 251 games that he played as a Falcon. Kenn was a 5 time All Pro, and played in 5 Pro Bowls. He retired after the 1994 season.
8) Jessie Tuggle #58 (LB). A Valdosta State graduate, the "Hammer" was signed as asn undrafted free agent by the Falcons in 1987. He played for the Falcons from 1987-2000
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3 months ago
Good article. Well researched and written. I am shocked that Harmon Wages isn't in there! :) This was a good walk down memory lane -- maybe not for victories, but for some good players that gave their best.
One suggestion: Drop Vick and put Morten Anderson in.
from 3 months ago
I could see Morten being on the list. The kick to win the NFC championship alone would qualify him. Vick has to be on the list. For a time he was as exciting as any player in the league. Unfortunate that he couldn't handle the success.
3 months ago
vick is a egotistical bum drop him off the list and it's good.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the read Micah. Vick is on the list because of what he did on the field. Off the field is another story. The HOF is full of players who didn't represent well off the field.
3 months ago
At least your family gives you feedback. I still think Vick needs to go we have seen his name on all the list that we want to see it. Drop Vick and your good
from 3 months ago
what family?
from 3 months ago
Vick's playoff games against Minnesota in the NFC Championship, and against Favre and the Packers at Lambeau were incredible. Vick did some stupid things, but to not put him on the list just because of his off field problems would be silly. OJ is still in the HOF the last time I looked.... Being a great football player AND a great person does not always go hand in hand.
3 months ago
What about Terance Mathis? And even though the secondary has almost always been laughable, Rolland Lawrence is the all-time Falcon leader in interceptions. Greg Brezina? Wallace Francis? Bill Fralic? Jim Mitchell? I'm not saying they should replace your guys, but figured I'd give a few names for consideration.
3 months ago
Great adds Anthony. Mitchell is on my Honorable Mention list. Lawrence and Mathis would be great choices.
3 months ago
I think Greg Brezina because I met him once and he was nice. He spoke at my church. I also think Tim Mazzeti because he was a good kicker and a bright flash in the pan.
3 months ago
I'm shocked not to see any mention of Andre Rison, not even in the honorable mention. He only played 5 years with falcons but had impressive numbers during his time with the team:
4 Consecutive Pro-Bowls (90-93)
423 Receptions for over 5,000 Yards
80+ Receptions in each of 5 years with ATL
10+ TDs in 4/5 years with ATL
Andre Rison was probably one of the top 2 or 3 receivers in the NFL when he was with ATL. I love Alfred Jenkins, but when you compare the numbers....there are no comparisons.
3 months ago
I thought about Rison.... I agree he should probably be on the list. For some reason I just remember all the problems and the baggage. He did have some great years. I think Jenkins numbers are comparable considering the difference in the game (70's verse 90's).
3 months ago
Nobis...Nobis...what a man.
3 months ago
How about a list of Atlanta Falcons who you never knew were Atlanta Falcons?
Eric Dickerson would have to top the list.
from 3 months ago
Actually many people don't even realize that Brett Favre was a Falcon. Of course Jerry Glanville took care of that.
3 months ago
Not a bad list -- It's tough to narrow 40-plus years worth of players down to a dozen. I would have to agree with a couple of the other posters that Andre Rison and Terance Mathis may be worthy... I also think cases could be made for Rolland Lawrence, Scott Case, and Keith Brooking. As for Case, I was always amazed by how such a scrawny looking guy could administer such devastating hits!!!
2 months ago
This is the article your wrote that caught my eye back in the summer. A man that realizes Tommy Nobis is the best of all time in Atlanta is a man that knows football.
from 2 months ago
Thanks BT. I was fortunate enough to grow up watching #60 play. He was some kinda ballplayers.
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